windows office: If this only happens in one particular Word document, then in Word open the document and click on Tools | Unprotect Document. If all new and existing Word documents are locked for editing, then it's probably because you have not activated your Word/Office software, or because you have an expired trial version of Office 2003. What happens if you start Word and click on Help | Activate Product? If you are already activated, a dialog box saying so will appear. If you are not activated, the Activation Wizard will start. If you have an expired trial version, a dialog box will prompt you to enter a valid product key or purchase a key online.